Where the locals hang in Nashville

Where the locals hang in Nashville

What do we love about Nashville? How much time do you have? Unpretentious but unlimited in things to do, full of Southern charm but with plenty of room for families and hipsters alike, there’s just something about the Music City that can’t be replicated. If you’re headed there and want to do more than simply boot-scoot (also encouraged), let the locals show you where to go for the perfect weekend trip.

Pepperfire – East Nashville
“Located in the weirdly wonderful neighborhood of East Nashville, Pepperfire brings something a little different to the hot chicken debate. Recently relocated slightly closer to the Five Points hub (though you still have to venture down Gallatin Avenue to get there), Pepperfire is a hot spot for locals looking for a mostly tourist-free hot chicken experience. Pepperfire is more popular for their tenders than for their whole/half birds—and they’re especially famous for their tender royale sandwich, which is basically a fried mountain of cheese, pickles, bread and chicken. Order it. Trust me.” – as recommended by Nashville local Mary Lambkin

Pepperfire in Nashville; photo courtesy of Localeur

Local Honey – 12 South
“They sell clothes. They do hair. They’ve got two locations. Vintage clothing is taken very seriously at Local Honey, and there’s a huge, constantly changing collection of women’s and men’s clothing and accessories here. They also keep it local by promoting Nashville designers’ clothing lines in-store. If you’re looking for the ultimate hipsterware with a respectful nod to eras past, you’re in the right place.” – as recommended by Nashville local Caroline Acree

Local Honey in Nashville; photo courtesy of Localeur

Crema – Rolling Mill Hill
“Go for the coffee, stay for the avocado toast. This is a great working spot for local creatives. The much-awarded coffee company also sells their brews in other shops around town, but a trip to the mothership is necessary. If you’re really into coffee, CREMA also offers brewing guides and coffee classes so that you can up your skill!” – as recommended by Nashville local Jessica Sweatt McCann

Crema in Nashville; photo courtesy of Localeur

Mas Tacos Por Favor – East Nashville
“Originally just a food truck, Mas Tacos in East Nashville boasts an easy-to-maneuver (but delicious) menu and quick service. It’s a quirky little spot with a fun atmosphere. Be sure to try the flavorful tilapia, carne molida or avocado tacos with an order of elote – and wash it all down with their homemade pineapple-cilantro agua fresca. You’ll quickly see why they’re called Mas Tacos because you’ll want to come back for so many more!” – as recommended by Nashville local Kathleen Clipper

Mas Tacos Por Favor, photo courtesy of Localeur

Shelby Bottoms Greenway – Shelby Park
“Bike the greenway! There is so much to see at Shelby Bottoms. Rent a B-Cycle out at the nature center parking lot and just go – a great spot to ride is Cornelia Fort Airpark, a decommissioned airfield where you can ride for miles on open tarmac. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take your little red bike all the way to the Stones River Greenway and find the Percy Priest Dam, where there’s another B-Cycle station (it’s about a 15-mile ride from Shelby Bottoms Nature Center to the dam).” – as recommended by Nashville local Eric Hoke

A view of the bridge from the Shelby Bottoms Greenway in Nashville; photo courtesy of Localeur

Rumours East – 5 Points
“This is one of Nashville’s only wine bars, and it’s hard to beat. Housed in a historic home near 5 Points in East Nashville, Rumours has a cozy, quiet vibe inside. It’s perfect for a date or a solo night out with a book. The wine list is relatively small, but well-curated. Of course, no wine bar is complete without a great cheese plate, and Rumours has you covered in that area, too.” – as recommended by Nashville local Megan Pacella-Howard